5 Non-SEC Teams That Could Finish with the No. 1 2014 Recruiting Class

An SEC program has had the No. 1 recruiting class every year since 2009, according to 247Sports. This year is no different. Alabama is on top of the 247Sports recruiting rankings, and three other SEC programs are ranked in the Top 10.

Many non-SEC fans complain about the attention and hype about the league. But if they want the SEC recruiting monopoly to end, a non-SEC program will need to ascend to the top of the rankings.

A pair of Big Ten programs are on pace to collect enough talent to do just that. The ACC also has two teams that do not fear the SEC and are recruiting with the confidence and success they have had in the past.

Notre Dame

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The Irish, who have 17 commitments, are No. 7 in the 247Sports recruiting rankings. Although it is led by running back Elijah Hood, Notre Dame's class is once again heavy with tough football players who play near the line of scrimmage.

Miami

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The Hurricanes have been a powerful force in 2014 recruiting, as head coach Al Golden has become more confident.

He has assembled a 26-man recruiting class, which is ranked No. 4 in the 247Sports recruiting rankings. Running back Joseph Yearby and offensive tackle Kc McDermott are the headliners, but quarterback Brad Kayaa, defensive tackle Travonte Valentine and defensive end Chad Thomas are also good players.

Florida State

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Florida State has the No. 2 class in the country, according to 247Sports. The Seminoles have 23 commitments, led by linebacker Kain Daub and receiver Markell Pack.

With commitments from six receivers and five defensive linemen, Florida State's recruiting priorities are clear. Head coach Jimbo Fisher still has a chance to add great prospects such as defensive end Lorenzo Carter, offensive tackle Damian Prince and receiver Josh Malone, according to 247Sports.

Landing Prince alone would give Fisher an excellent chance to take over the top spot.

Ohio State

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If there is one coach who has what it takes to consistently be a thorn in the SEC's side, it's Ohio State's Urban Meyer.

Meyer is a former SEC coach himself, so he has many recruiting connections in the South. Ohio State has the No. 6 class in the country, according to the 247Sports recruiting rankings, and Meyer still could add a significant number of talented players to his class of 16 commitments.

The Buckeyes are likely to land at least three players from that pool, so look for them to make a strong case for that No. 1 rank.

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.